The Interviews (ft. David Frankel & BenDavid Grabinski)

This episode of The Empire Film Podcast's spin-off 'The Interviews' features two in-depth conversations with acclaimed directors David Frankel and BenDavid Grabinski. First, Frankel discusses the long-awaited sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada,' reflecting on its legacy, the return of the original cast, and the film's deeper themes around fashion, media, and human connection in the digital age. He shares behind-the-scenes insights, including Meryl Streep's involvement, Anna Wintour’s on-set feedback, and the creative process behind the Milan-set visuals and cameos from real-life fashion icons. The second half focuses on Grabinski’s quirky, emotionally driven sci-fi comedy 'Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice,' where he unpacks the film’s time-travel mechanics not as a plot device but as a vehicle for redemption, regret, and character growth. He emphasizes the importance of emotional specificity over spectacle, the challenge of balancing absurdity with sincerity, and the deliberate choice to make the antagonists endearing rather than faceless. Both interviews highlight the power of storytelling to blend entertainment with deeper human truths. Key takeaways include: 1) A sequel can succeed not by nostalgia but by addressing contemporary issues relevant to today’s world; 2) Authenticity in production design and casting—like real fashion icons—elevates a film’s realism; 3) Time travel in storytelling should serve emotional stakes, not just mechanics; 4) Characters don’t need to be perfect to be relatable—flaws and growth make them compelling; 5) The best stories often emerge from constraints, like limiting time-travel loops to preserve narrative focus; 6) Even in absurd premises, character empathy is essential; 7) Real-world inspiration (like Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice) can inform modern storytelling; 8) The most memorable moments often come from emotional honesty, not just spectacle. The episode closes with a playful, self-aware nod to the podcast’s own love of cinema and the fantasy of changing the past.